MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES
The goal of the Middle School curriculum is to prepare students in 6th, 7th, and8th grade with the skills and strategies they need to be successful learners in their academic pursuits. A focus on building executive function skills is key to helping students achieve success. Students are grouped in multi-grade classes based on age, ability and social cognition.
Middle School classes are small with an average student to teacher ratio of eight to one. All Middle School students are provided with a laptop PC. Students acquire basic computer knowledge through their daily classwork which includes finding and evaluating information on the internet and using their laptops responsibly. Proficiency with word processing, editing, and creating PowerPoint presentations develops through practice in their classes. The daily schedule is designed to meet social and academic needs. There are six 42+ minute class periods each day and a morning break for physical and social activity. Reading, spelling, and vocabulary skill instruction occurs during a 33 minute block. At the end of each day, teachers complete a binder check to make sure students have recorded their assignments and have the materials they need for homework. Core academic classes include literature, written expression, math, science, and social studies. Electives include a half semester each of physical education and health, and six weeks each of art, theater, music, and home science for the other semester. Those students who qualify have the opportunity to participate in individual or small group (no more than three students) speech and language therapy. Students plan and participate in many field trips and school activities. Community service projects are an important focus during daily advisory class, along with communication skills, disability awareness, and executive functioning.
Reading
Wilson Reading System®
Students who need intensive instruction to develop basic reading and spelling skills are individually assessed and placed in a Wilson Reading System® (WRS) class.
The WRS consists of 12 steps of direct, systematic, code-based, interactive, multi-sensory instruction. It emphasizes total word study. For students of all ages and ability levels, it provides the skills necessary to decode (read) words accurately and fluently, and to encode (spell) as they learn to decode.
Wilson Just Words®
The Wilson Just Words program is a fast-paced, sophisticated study of word structure that provides direct and explicit teaching of “how English works” for both decoding and spelling automaticity. It is appropriate for students in grades 4-12 who need a brush-up on basic word analysis skills, suffixes, prefixes and roots.
Literature
Students read a combination of narrative and expository text. They receive direct instruction in plot and setting development, character analysis and identifying types of conflicts. Basic comprehension skills are reviewed in the study of literature. Higher level comprehension skills are emphasized. Examples are predicting outcomes, making inferences, summarizing and paraphrasing. Novels and anthologies that survey a variety of genres are incorporated
into the instruction. The Keys to Literacy: Comprehension Routine provides a framework for the development of reading comprehension and study skills.
Writing
Students receive direct instruction in all aspects of the writing process. They improve their sentences by expanding them and using more robust vocabulary. Focus is directed towards writing substantial paragraphs with topic sentence, details and conclusion. Multi-paragraph essays emphasize proper organization and a variety of styles. Students complete a multi-media research report stressing organization of a project with numerous tasks and due dates leading to final completion. The writing curriculum is based on The Writing Revolution® by Judith C. Hochman.
Math
Math placement is determined by student performance, student testing level and teacher recommendation.
Math 1
Math 1 will provide instruction using the Singapore Math program, which develops mathematical reasoning and logical thinking through problem solving. The concepts will include all four operations, mental math, word problems, fractions, and computation with all four operations.
Math 2
Math 2 will use the Singapore Math program. Students will work in all four operations with larger whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, pre-algebra concepts and advanced word problems using advanced bar modeling.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-requisite: completion of Pre-Algebra Readiness with at least a grade of “B” or teacher recommendation.
This course emphasizes computation with integers, solving simple algebraic equations and inequalities, translating algebraic expressions and manipulation monomials. In addition, Pre-Algebra includes topics in numeration, statistics, computation with positive and negative fractions and decimals, and problem solving.
Algebra1
Pre-requisite: completion of Pre-Algebra with a grade of “B” or higher and teacher recommendation.
Algebra 1 includes topics in numeration, algebraic functions, geometry, and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities and systems of such, manipulating polynomial expressions, and the use of algebraic expressions and formulas to solve problems. Algebra 1 is offered as a oneyear and two-year course.
World Geography
General Science
The Middle School science curriculum seeks to develop and reinforce scientific process skills. These skills include measuring, comparing, inferring, calculating and recording data, making predictions, and applying information to daily life. In addition, students learn how to read scientific texts and resources and use them to take notes, summarize, and prepare for tests.
A three-year cycle includes topics in life science and earth science.
Year 1
Earth’s Atmosphere, Diversity of Living Things, and Earth’s Water
Year 2
Life Over Time, Space Science, and Ecology
Year 3
Human Biology, The Changing Earth, and Earth’s Surface.
Physical Education
Physical education exposes students to a wide variety of team and individual sports. The development and implementation of skills and strategies are emphasized throughout instruction and participation. Activities also help to increase a cognitive awareness of the physical and social benefits of exercise. Teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and safety awareness are fundamental principles that are addressed in all areas of the physical education curriculum.
Health
The purpose of health education is to enable students to obtain, interpret, and understand health information and develop life skills essential to enhancing and maintaining one’s overall wellness. Students are engaged in learning through participation in class discussions, role-plays, group initiatives, peer teaching and other hands-on classroom activities. Units include topics related to: mental and
Keeping in mind the social studies value standard, the Middle School World Geography course seeks to strengthen the study skills of textbook reading and analysis, interpreting visual information, note taking, test preparation, using reference material, and working cooperatively within a group to accomplish a common goal. Students expand their experiences by taking into consideration how the past affects us now and into the future, as well as how events in other parts of the world influence what happens in the United States. A weekly on-line news program and the course text engage students in current events discussions.
Year 1 Intro to Geography: the Americas
Year 2 Intro to Geography: Europe, Russia, south and east Africa
Year 3 Intro to Geography: Asia and the Pacific, Australia
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES
emotional health, nutrition and fitness, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, human growth and development, decision making and peer pressure.
Art
The Groves Academy art program focuses on developing a foundation of art knowledge to equip students with the skills to study, critique and create successful art. This is achieved through the study of the elements and principles of design, creating art using different mediums, creativity, art history and critique. The art assignments in middle school will correlate with the countries and cultures studied in middle school world cultures class in order to enrich an understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Home Science
Middle School Home Science is designed to meet the needs of students in fundamental life skills including basic cooking, sewing and clothing/fabric care. Home Science lessons engage students in multi-sensory and interactive classroom activities providing natural opportunities for peer socialization, collaboration and teamwork. Global, cultural and nutritional influences are integrated into the curriculum, encouraging students to explore new foods, recipes and cooking techniques. Students are encouraged to earn extra credit for food preparation and clean-up at home.
Technology
All Middle School students will have their own laptop PC’s. The technology curriculum is integrated into projects across all curriculum areas. Skills include appropriate use of a computer network, finding and evaluating new information resources, word processing and editing, presentations and spreadsheets. All instruction will take place in the classroom setting or in the media center.
Theater
The main goal of theater activities is to help students build self-confidence and develop good social and communication skills, skills that can help improve their learning ability and comprehension both within school and into their future lives. In middle school the majority of the theater curriculum focuses on audio visual arts and communication. Students participate in the production of the weekly Groves News broadcast, create news and information podcasts, or write and film PSA presentations for in-house use by the health department.
Music
The Groves middle school music program provides a wellrounded musical experience covering music fundamentals, music creation, performance and critical listening skills. The many activities include (but are not limited to) active participation in music ensembles, exposure to a variety of live and recorded music, and exploration of music recording and transcribing technology. Extra-curricular ensembles and activities will also be offered to students wishing to get more involved with the music program at Groves.
The goal of the Upper School is to support students as they launch into their post-secondary experiences. Students work with their teachers to become successful learners and are placed in classes with an average of eight students to one teacher. The Upper School educational program is designed to challenge students with engaging content, help each of them understand their own learning profile, and use that understanding to develop self-regulation and self-advocacy skills. Students are grouped in classes based on age and ability level. Students take a core curriculum of literature, writing, math, science, and social studies. In addition, students take a semester of physical education and health, as well as six weeks of home science, theater and art. Students may participate in individual or small group speech and language therapy as appropriate. Students in 11th and 12th grades take Chemistry, Environmental Science and Project-Based Learning. Occasionally, 12th graders will take classes at an area community college as part of their school day. Students receive credits for their classes which are transferable to another high school or a post-secondary institution. During the course of the school year, students participate in a variety of activities including field trips to area performances, art museums, skiing, and a formal dance each spring. Students also have the opportunity to run the school store.All Upper School students participate in service learning projects throughout the school year.
Executive Function
Students and families often feel shame and guilt about academic failure and underachievement and often revert to moral or motivational explanations for underperformance. The Executive Function [EF] courses provide a new lens through which to view academic challenges and remove stigma.
9th Grade: Transition - Learning How to Do School/Training the Student Brain
10th Grade: Self-Discovery - Finding Your Why
11th Grade: Leadership - Setting the Course and Leading the Way
12th Grade: Legacy - What Comes Next and What We Leave Behind
English Language Arts
[ELA 9/10]
English Language Arts 9/10 focuses on each of the core components of English language arts: literature, writing, speaking/listening, and presenting. In the study of literature, students will read a wide variety of selections from various genres--poetry, short stories, nonfiction, dramas, novels, spoken and visual texts-and engage in class activities that promote active and close reading. In the study of writing, students will use a variety of strategies, including those in The Writing Revolution [TWR] to create written texts for multiple purposes--to inform, to persuade, to describe, etc. Students engage in writing tasks of varied lengths-from detailed sentences to multi-paragraph essays. Students practice public speaking when they make a variety of informal and formal presentations to the class.
[ELA 11/12]
English Language Arts 11/12 focuses on each of the core components of English language arts: literature, writing, speaking/listening, and presenting to prepare students for life after Groves Academy. In the study of literature, students will read a wide variety of selections from various genres--poetry, short stories, nonfiction, dramas, novels, spoken and visual texts-and engage in class activities that promote active and close reading. In the study of writing, students will use a variety of strategies, including those in The Writing Revolution [TWR] to create written texts for multiple purposes--to inform, to persuade, to describe, etc. Students engage in writing tasks of varied lengths-from detailed sentences to multi-paragraph essays. Students practice public speaking when they make a variety of informal and formal presentations to the class.
Ultimately, this course puts students in the center of their learning by providing opportunities to choose, explore, collaborate, and work independently.
Math
Student math placement is determined by teacher recommendation and student skill level. Consumer Math is available to students in 12th grade only. All other classes are available to students in 9th – 12th grade provided they have met the pre-requisite.
enVision A/G/A
Upper School has updated its math curriculum for the courses in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The enVision A|G|A math curriculum follows the Common Core Math Standards and is designed to achieve a coherent progression of mathematical content within each course and across the program, building lesson to lesson. The Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses combine problem-based learning and visual learning to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. Lessons start with Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where students must think critically about a real-world math problem, evaluate options, collaborate, and present solutions. Visual Learning throughout the lesson helps to solidify the underlying math concepts. It’s the best way to help students better understand math ideas.
Algebra I
The purpose of Algebra I is to develop students’ fluency with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. The most important areas of instruction involve deepening and extending students’ understanding of linear and exponential relationships. They compare and contrast those relationships and apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. In addition, students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using exponential and quadratic functions. Some of the key elements of the Algebra I course include the notion of function, solving equations, rates of change and growth patterns, graphs as representations of functions, and modeling.
Algebra II
The Algebra II course extends students’ understanding of functions and real numbers and increases the tools students have for modeling the real world. Students in Algebra II extend their notion of number to include complex numbers and learn how these numbers yield the solutions of polynomial equations and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Students deepen their understanding of the concept of function and apply equation-solving and function and how to apply those concepts to many different types of functions.
Geometry
The fundamental purpose of the Geometry course is to introduce students to formal geometric proofs and the study of plane figures, culminating in the study of right-triangle trigonometry and circles. The major mathematical ideas in the Geometry course include geometric transformations, proving geometric theorems, congruence and similarity, analytic geometry, right-triangle trigonometry, and probability.
Statistics
Pre-requisite: completions of Algebra II or teacher recommendation
Statistics is a two semester course that will include interpreting categorical data, function modeling, counting methods, mathematics of financial decision making, binomial distributions and statistical inference, and informatics. Emphasis is placed on placed inquiry-based learning and hands-on investigation.
Consumer Math
Pre-requisite: none; course is available to 12th grade students only.
Consumer Math includes topics in finance, housing, taxes, auto, cooking and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on learning to budget, working with checking and savings accounts, filing taxes, understanding the rental process, computing interest/finance charges for credit cards, auto loans and other personal loans, and comparison shopping.
Social Studies
The Upper School social studies courses emphasize the development of critical thinking skills, allowing students the opportunity to analyze how the past affects us now and into the future. Students learn about parts of the world outside the United States and how events in those countries affect the United States government and its citizens. Study skills are emphasized as tools that reinforce and support learning. These include note taking, reading and analyzing relevant texts, interpreting visual information, finding credible reference materials, and test preparation.
9th and 10th grades
American History
This course will survey the history of the United States. The first half of this course focuses on events ranging from Pre-Columbian civilizations to the post-Civil War Era. A large part of the first semester is geared toward the concepts and formation of our nation and values. The second semester is geared toward the industrialization and modernization of our country, as well as our involvement on the global stage. This class will look at where our nation came from and how we arrived at where we are today.
World History and Geography
This course focuses on the civilizations that have defined our global history and shaped our world today. The class will study the ancient cultures of each region of the world before looking at the modern cultures that exist there today. Throughout the class, students will develop skills in map interpretation, cultural awareness, and historical analysis. The students will also discuss current issues and events from around the world that will encourage them to develop a global outlook and become more informed citizens.
11th and 12th grades
Government and Economics
This class is focused on building citizenship. First semester, the students will learn about the government of the United States and how they fit into that system. They will learn how each part of the government works and how citizens are involved in the political process. Second semester will cover economics. The class will analyze economic systems and principles to better understand how the financial world works. Economic topics will include supply and demand, personal finance, and the role of consumers in an economy.
Sociology
Students examine the world from the perspective of group interaction. The five units of sociology include: Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Social Structures, Social Inequality, Social Institutions, and Social Change.
Science
The scientific process skills that are developed and reinforced include analyzing, manipulating, hypothesizing, sequencing, graphing, cause/effect, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, applying information to daily lives, and the interdisciplinary skills of learning how to read scientific material, writing skills, study skills, cooperative learning skills and the use of scientific resources. Physical Science and Biology are offered each year for 9th and 10th grade students. Environmental Science and Chemistry are offered each year in the 11th and 12th grades.
Physical Science (9th grade)
This course has three components:
1. Understanding the concepts of motion, force, optics, electricity, radioactivity, properties of matter, compounds and mixtures, elements and bonding, chemical reactions, acid/bases and organic.
2. Learning the process of scientific inquiry, such as hypothesizing, graphing, interpreting data, drawing conclusions and applying scientific concepts.
3. Learning comprehension strategies that are specific to reading scientific texts.
Biology (10th grade)
Biology is a required course offered to fulfill the science credit requirements for graduation. Biology is the study of the living world which includes basic life processes and interactions among living things, as well as similarities and differences among various organisms. Topics covered include ecology, cells, genetics, evolution, classification and taxonomy of organisms. In addition to class work and written tests, students will demonstrate their learning through lab work, class discussions, project creation, written reports, oral presentations and various other means. The main focus of this class is to foster a curiosity and attitude for lifelong learning as it relates to the natural world.
Environmental Science (11th and 12th grades)
Environmental Science is an elective course designed for juniors and seniors. It is offered as a two-hour, full year course for two science credits. Environmental Science emphasizes skills such as scientific literacy, time management, organization, observation methods, synthesizing information, question generation, drawing conclusions, teamwork and self-reflection. It includes
weekly seminars on relevant topics, textbook work, research on current events in environmental science, tests, labs, written reports, class discussions, projects and presentations. The purpose of this class is to raise environmental awareness and understand what we can do to impact our personal and global environments in a positive way.
Environmental Science Concepts (11th and 12th grades)
Environmental Science Concepts is an elective course for juniors and seniors. Environmental Science Concepts addresses the major topics in the Environmental Science course, but the pace of the course is designed for students whose slower processing speed makes it difficult for them to succeed in fast paced courses.
Chemistry (11th and 12th grades)
This course teaches foundational concepts in chemistry: atomic structure, bonding, Periodic Table of Elements, reactions, acid/bases, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, thermo-chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. These topics are addressed through various lab experiments and research papers. In addition, this course seeks to give students a foundation to help them understand data representation (charts, graphs); interpret research summaries (evaluate scientific procedures); and evaluate conflicting scientific viewpoints.
Physics (Prerequisite: Algebra II and permission of the instructor)
This full year Physics course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of the fundamental principles governing the universe. This solid foundation in Physics will prepare students for success in all other areas of science. This course will cover motion, including forces, work, energy and momentum, waves, sound and light, heat, and electricity. Algebra based problem-solving and laboratory skills will also be emphasized.
Project-Based Learning (11th and 12th grades)
The Project-Based Learning program has created a forum for juniors and seniors to pursue their passions, utilize adult-world communication and organizational skills, and become independent learners through work experiences, internship opportunities and projects. Reinforcement of these skills prepares students for their post-secondary educational experience. This two-hour class enables students to do more in-depth projects in science, computer, cabinetry, carpentry and the fine arts.
Independent Learning Skills
Students plan, propose, implement and complete independent projects based on their written project plan. Students establish and maintain a reflective thinking/goal-setting journal, and work as part of a team on an all-inclusive project. Importance is placed on establishing and maintaining contact with resource people via email, telephone and off-site visits.
Industrial Technology Skills
Students utilize measuring tools, safely use cutting tools, demonstrate basic and advanced cuts, use sanding tools and materials, apply finishing products and complete a project to auction at the annual Groves Scholarship Gala as a service learning project.
Computer Technology Skills
Students download digital images found via searches on the Internet; take, download and edit images using a digital camera and its accompanying software; scan and edit images using a scanner and its accompanying software; and navigate concurrently between Microsoft Office programs. Students will also learn to draft their woodworking projects using Computer Aided Software (CAD) such as Google SketchUp.
Work Experience /Job Skills /Internship Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity, if they so choose, to participate in a variety of work experience opportunities. This could be a position working at the Groves Academy School Store, being a teaching assistant, graphic design or photography though participation in the Groves Yearbook or focusing on jobs skills related to post-secondary goals.
Foreign Language (11th and 12th grades)
Spanish I
This course is designed to introduce students to the Spanish language. We start with basic skills with the alphabet and numbers, and progress on to conversational vocabulary. Along the way, we explore different cultures of the Spanish- speaking world, including the cultures of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. In this class, we use the Descubre textbook, which is part of the Vista Higher Learning series. This resource allows students to access study materials online, record and listen to their own voices, and hear native speakers. The students will also use the Yabla application to listen to authentic Spanish singers and speakers. The students will develop their Spanish reading and writing skills, as well as focus on their speaking and listening skills.
Spanish II (prerequisite: Spanish I)
This course is a continuation of Spanish I.
Electives (9th and 10th grades)
Physical Education
Physical Education provides a foundation for students to learn, develop, and apply motor skills and fitness concepts. Various aerobic, anaerobic, team and individual activities are introduced systematically at a level that allows for successful participation. These include softball, volleyball, badminton, weight training, floor hockey, Lacrosse, team handball, soccer, among others. Emphasis is placed on enhancing physical fitness, expanding cognitive awareness, and promoting positive social behavior.
Health
The purpose of health education is to enable students to obtain, interpret and understand health information and to develop life skills essential to enhancing and maintaining overall wellness. Students are engaged in learning through participating in class discussions and debates, research projects, guest speakers and other hands-on classroom activities. Units include mental and emotional health, nutrition and fitness, preventing substance abuse and violence, basic first aid, human life cycle, and communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Art
Studio art is the emphasis at this level. Students have many opportunities to develop different applications of visual art. Drawing explores abstraction, line quality, perspective and shading. Painting explores color theory, still life, mixed media, painting techniques and canvas building. Textile art includes, fabric design, hand and loom weaving, collage, batik and appliqué. Clay explores glazing and firing techniques, tile relief, wheel methods, advanced hand building and wheel techniques. Sculpture explores round, relief, additive and subtractive. Techniques such as lost wax, cement and plaster casting are studied, as well as wire armature and metal/foam core design sculpture.
Home Science
Home Science includes basic kitchen safety, measurements, following a multi-step recipe and clean-up procedures. Sewing includes selecting a pattern, proper cutting of material and completion of the project. Choices include, but are not limited to, quilts, pajama pants, backpacks, pillows and aprons. Fabric care and laundry procedures are included.
Technology
All Upper School students will have their own laptop PC’s. Technology curriculum is integrated into projects across all curriculum areas. Skills include appropriate use of a computer network, finding and evaluating new information resources, word processing and editing, presentations and spreadsheets. All instruction will take place in the classroom setting or in the media center.
Theater
Our goals within the theater department at Groves Academy are numerous, but our main function is to help your child build self-confidence and develop good social and communication skills, skills that can help improve their learning ability and comprehension both within school and into their future lives. In upper school, theater students learn performance arts. Students will study improvisation and character development and participate in play-reading and play-writing classes. Some classes will develop one act plays for presentation to their peers. For those students wishing to perform in a more public forum, upper school theater club produces two plays per year.
Music
Upper School music instruction at Groves is designed to encourage awareness, appreciation and skill in listening to, responding to, and analyzing a variety of music. Students will examine the role of music throughout history, across cultures, and in students’ daily lives. Our studies will culminate in a project, either research or performance in nature, selected based on students interests and skills. Extra-curricular ensembles and activities will also be offered to students wishing to get more involved with the music program at Groves.
OUR MISSION is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences.
OUR VISION is to redefine the way our nation is taught, one student, one teacher, and one school at a time.
OUR CORE VALUES are Authenticity, Collaboration, Compassion, Discovery, Tenacity.
